Only ‘poor Thais’ can be street vendors, says City Hall

Additionally, new regulations forbid the work of refugees and reduce encroachment on roads.

People approach a clothing vendor’s display on a busy pavement in Bangkok Noi district of the capital. (Photo: Apichart Jinakul)
People walk past a clothes store’s booth in Bangkok Noi, the capital’s active district. ( Photo: Apichart Jinakul )

According to New City Hall’s guidelines, just “poor Thais” may operate as street vendors in Bangkok, and they are prohibited from employing workers, among other restrictions.

Aekvarunyoo Amrapala, a spokeswoman for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, reported that Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has signed a see outlining the novel regulations, which will become effective when the Royal Gazette publishes them.

Street vendors may possess Thai nationality, be a recipient of welfare payments from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, remain on repayments for homes built by the National Housing Authority, and be citizens of Thailand under the fresh rules.

In contrast, they must be included in the yearly tax structure of the Revenue Department. Their income may not reach 300, 000 ringgit a time after deducting business-related expenses on their tax returns.

A Thai selling associate is permitted for each vendor. Additionally, vendors may obtain authorization from the important public health authorities.

Depending on the size of the city, vendors must make sure pedestrians have a space between 1.5 and 2 meters wide to move in. Each stall’s place is limited to three square meters. For safety, stands must be at least 50 cm from the road’s edge, and only on the edge of the pavement that is opposite to a road surface.

To serve as an emergency exit, there must also be a place that is at least 3 meters long and at least every 10 kiosks.